Hobie vs Native--- who wins??? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Billy V · 04-03-2009, 09:15 PM

I spent some time talking to the Native guy at the Fred Hall Show in Del Mar.
He said right from the beginning that the Hobie Mirage drive was more efficient than the Native propeller drive.

I was looking at the boat closely and noticed that the rudder on the (sit on top model) didn't look to be suited for surf launches and landings. It doesn't fully retract like the Hobie.
The Canoe model had a fully retractable rudder,but i don't think you would want that offshore.

The Native did have a salt water trolling motor option for extra cost, but Hobie is coming out with their own motor option in the future.

The Native reminds me of the New Hobie Pro Angler. I don't know anyone who has actually tested the Native but I have seen it run on youtube. It is more like actual bicycle peddling, were as the Hobie is a straight push on the peddles.

As for stability I really can't say which is better, but my Hobie Revolution is plenty stable.

They are doing a Demo April 4th. Tomorrow. The dealer is based out of Newport Beach.

I would go Hobie all the way, just based on what I saw.

Heres a vid. There are more on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk3Fq...rom=PL&index=2

04-03-2009, 09:15 PM	#3
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I spent some time talking to the Native guy at the Fred Hall Show in Del Mar. He said right from the beginning that the Hobie Mirage drive was more efficient than the Native propeller drive. I was looking at the boat closely and noticed that the rudder on the (sit on top model) didn't look to be suited for surf launches and landings. It doesn't fully retract like the Hobie. The Canoe model had a fully retractable rudder,but i don't think you would want that offshore. The Native did have a salt water trolling motor option for extra cost, but Hobie is coming out with their own motor option in the future. The Native reminds me of the New Hobie Pro Angler. I don't know anyone who has actually tested the Native but I have seen it run on youtube. It is more like actual bicycle peddling, were as the Hobie is a straight push on the peddles. As for stability I really can't say which is better, but my Hobie Revolution is plenty stable. They are doing a Demo April 4th. Tomorrow. The dealer is based out of Newport Beach. I would go Hobie all the way, just based on what I saw. Heres a vid. There are more on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk3Fq...rom=PL&index=2